Clot Retraction Time Thromboelastography Blood

Test Information

Clot Retraction Time Thromboelastography Blood

Clot retraction refers to the tendency of a blood clot to draw in from the sides of a glass test tube. A blood clot is a mass formed within a blood vessel to stop bleeding by blockading the wound, preventing the escape of blood from the blood vessel. Formation of a blood clot is a multistep process that is tightly regulated. Blood clot formation normally starts with injury to a blood vessel, which causes it to constrict. Called the vascular phase, this is the first reaction of a blood vessel to damage. It reduces the flow of blood to the site of injury, minimizing blood loss. Next, the circulating platelets clump along the site of blood vessel injury. The platelets form a foundation for a blood clot and release chemicals that stimulate clotting. Following are the clinical indications for performing the Clot Retraction Blood Test: Measuring coagulation ability, when more sophisticated methods are unavailable, Family history of blood clotting disorders, Monitoring hemostatic therapy, Excessive bleeding Bruising . A high value for the Clot Retraction Blood Test may indicate: Thrombasthenia, Bernard-Soulier syndrome. The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. The Clot Retraction Blood Test is not often performed in modern clinical practice. More sophisticated and standardized methods are used instead. Certain medications that you may be currently taking may influence the outcome of the test.